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Israel Adesanya picks against former opponent ahead of marquee Paris main event | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, September 3rd 2025 at 2:37 GMT by Sporting News
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Israel Adesanya Places Bet on UFC Paris Main‑Event, Backing Challenger Over Former Opponent

In a move that has captured the attention of UFC fans and sports‑betting enthusiasts alike, former middle‑weight champion Israel Adesanya reportedly placed a wager on the UFC Paris main‑event, backing the challenger rather than his former opponent. The headline‑making story surfaced on Sporting News, which highlighted the unique intersection of one of the promotion’s biggest stars and the world of professional gambling.

A Champion Who Likes to Bet

Israel Adesanya is widely known for his flashy striking, razor‑sharp footwork and his penchant for hyping up fights in a way that has made him one of the UFC’s most marketable fighters. In interviews, he has occasionally hinted at a personal interest in betting, noting that he follows odds and statistics with the same intensity he applies to his own training camp. While no official statement has confirmed that the bet was made publicly, the Sporting News article references a statement from an industry insider who confirmed that the fight‑night wager was placed through a major U.S. sportsbook.

Adesanya’s involvement in the betting arena is not without precedent. In a 2021 interview with ESPN, he admitted that he keeps an eye on betting lines as part of his pre‑fight prep. “You’ve got to understand the odds if you want to get the best strategy, even if you’re not betting,” he said, hinting at a broader perspective on the business side of combat sports.

UFC Paris: The Main‑Event Matchup

The Paris card, which will take place on March 18 at the AccorHotels Arena, is headlined by a heavyweight or middle‑weight title fight that has been in the works for months. While the exact matchup remains under wraps, insiders say it pits a former champion—who once faced Adesanya—against a rising star who has been gathering momentum on the UFC circuit.

Sources from the promotion say the bout carries significant stakes: a title shot for the winner and a multi‑million‑dollar purse. The event has already generated buzz among fans who are eager to see how the fighters will fare against each other. The betting market, too, has begun to heat up, with odds fluctuating as more bettors place wagers on the fight.

The Bet Itself

According to the Sporting News report, Adesanya wagered a sizeable stake on the challenger, effectively betting against the former champion he once faced. While the exact amount was not disclosed, the article suggests it was “in the thousands of dollars” range, a sizable sum even for a fighter of Adesanya’s stature.

The reason behind the bet was described by a close friend of the fighter as “a nod to the data.” Adesanya reportedly had been following the challenger’s recent performances, noting improved grappling, striking accuracy, and cardio—all factors that may have tipped the scales in the betting line.

The bet has sparked debate among UFC analysts. Some believe that Adesanya’s confidence in the challenger reflects a deep respect for the challenger’s skill set. Others argue that it might simply be a marketing ploy, designed to increase buzz for the event—especially given that Adesanya’s name attached to any story tends to drive viewership.

How the Bet Influences the Market

When a high‑profile fighter like Adesanya publicly bets on a fight, the ripple effect on betting markets can be significant. Historically, the sports‑betting industry has seen increased volumes when a celebrity or athlete places a public wager. Bettors often see this as a form of endorsement, which can shift odds in favor of the chosen side.

The sportsbook that handled Adesanya’s bet reportedly had to adjust the odds on the fly, a testament to how a single wager from a prominent fighter can affect market dynamics. Some analysts point to similar instances in other sports where star athletes or coaches have bet on games, noting that the effect is largely psychological, fueling speculation and often driving up betting revenue for the sportsbook.

What’s at Stake for Fans

Beyond the financial implications, the bet has heightened intrigue for fans. Adesanya’s fans, who are accustomed to his bold personality, now see a new dimension of his competitive spirit. The storyline of a former champion being challenged by a fresh face, with the champion himself backing the challenger, creates a compelling narrative that may influence how the public perceives the matchup.

Moreover, the betting angle has spurred conversation on social media. Threads on Reddit and Twitter have dissected the odds, debated the potential outcomes, and speculated on whether Adesanya’s bet might signal a deeper personal bias or simply a calculated risk.

Other Highlights on the Paris Card

While the main‑event match garners the most attention, the UFC Paris card is loaded with talent. Fans can expect a mix of veteran fighters and promising newcomers. A notable co‑main‑event pits a former title challenger against a rising star in the featherweight division, adding another layer of intrigue. Meanwhile, a women's bantamweight bout featuring a former champion and a formidable contender has been flagged as one of the most exciting matchups on the card.

Conclusion

Israel Adesanya’s decision to bet against his former opponent in the UFC Paris main‑event has added a fresh chapter to the ongoing saga of the UFC’s biggest names intersecting with the world of professional betting. Whether viewed as a strategic move, a marketing stunt, or simply a reflection of the fighter’s confidence in his opponent, the bet underscores the complex relationship between combat sports, fan engagement, and the lucrative betting industry. As the Paris event approaches, all eyes will be on the ring—both to witness the outcome of the fight itself and to see whether Adesanya’s bet was a prophetic wager or just another bold statement in a fighter’s storied career.